Pecha Kucha Micro-Intro

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Deliver a concise personal introduction within an exact one-minute window using automated visual pacing.

Use it when: Use at the beginning of a workshop or training session to introduce team members without letting individual speeches run long.

Skip it when: Skip when participants lack devices to display images or when the session requires in-depth project status reporting.

Group arrangement: Solo preparation followed by presentations in trios or quartets, or whole-room turns for groups up to 10.

Timing: UWT suggested 15-minute plan based on the 1-minute, 3-image warmer variant in the source text.

Materials and tools

• Slide presentation software or image viewing app per participant
• A shared digital folder or open-access photo pool link
• One central timer or presentation display with auto-advance set to 20 seconds
• Scratch paper and pen per person for notes

Before participants arrive

1. Pre-load a shared link to a public photo repository or allow participants access to their personal photo files.
2. Confirm participants know how to set 20-second slide auto-advance or assign one timekeeper per group.

Say this to open

We are doing a quick image-based introduction using a short Pecha Kucha format. You will choose three photos that illustrate three facts about your work or life. Each photo will stay on screen for exactly 20 seconds, giving you one minute total to share. Let us take five minutes to select your images and plan your words.

How to run it

1. Set parameters and choose images 5 minutes

   Facilitator delivers the opening script and shares the photo link or folder. Each participant selects 3 images and places them into a 3-slide deck, setting each slide to auto-advance after 20 seconds. Participants sketch quick talking points on scratch paper. Anyone who prefers not to use personal photos picks 3 neutral objects from the shared repository.

2. Test timing and rehearse 2 minutes

   Participants run a quick solo silent rehearsal, checking that their deck advances after 20 seconds per slide. Facilitator answers technical questions about auto-advance settings.

3. Present in small groups 6 minutes

   Form groups of 3 or 4. If the total room size is 5 to 6, stay in one room. Each person takes a turn presenting their 3 slides for exactly 60 seconds (20 seconds per slide). Group members listen without interrupting until the minute concludes. Rotate turns until everyone has presented or passed.

4. Debrief and transition 2 minutes

   Reconvene the full room. Facilitator asks up to two participants to share observations on how the time constraint changed what they chose to say.

Debrief questions

• How did the fixed 20-second timer affect how you selected your words?
• What did you notice about relying on images rather than text bullet points?

Finished output: Completed 60-second visual introductions delivered by all willing participants.

Remote

Run via breakout rooms of 3 or 4. Each presenter shares their screen with slide auto-advance set to 20 seconds, or a designated timekeeper signals at 20-second marks. Participants who cannot screenshare drop 3 photo links into the video chat.

Hybrid

In-person presenters display their slides on the main room screen; remote participants screenshare into the video bridge. Audio must route through the central room speaker so in-person and remote attendees hear each other clearly. Keep small breakout groups mixed or paired by location based on available laptops.

Access and participation choices

• Offer an option to use pre-selected public domain photos representing hobbies or work tools instead of personal family pictures.
• Participants may pass on presenting and instead serve as the timekeeper or visual deck controller for their group.

If the session gets stuck

A participant cannot configure slide auto-advance in their presentation software.

Appoint a peer timekeeper to call out 'twenty seconds' and have the speaker manually tap next.

A speaker finishes their talking points before the 20 seconds elapse.

Remind everyone that silence while waiting for the next slide is fine; there is no penalty for pausing.

Terms used here

• Pecha Kucha: A presentation format created in Tokyo where slides advance automatically on a fixed timer, traditionally 20 slides for 20 seconds each.